Dt*: the contact stated while driving 40 MPH under normal braking on wet roads, the ABS lights illuminated and the vehicle had an extended stopping distance. The dealer examined the vehicle and determined the three sensors had to be replaced, but were not certain that the replacement would correct the problem. The vehicle was currently at the dealer for further repairs. The contact encountered the federal safety agency recall # 99i006000 regarding the service brakes, hydraulic: antilock.
1996 GMC Sonoma: ABS light or ABS activating
21 of the 148 complaints about the 1996 GMC Sonoma describe ABS light or ABS activating.
- owner complaints
- 21
- of this car's complaints
- 14%
- recalls
- 2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 3 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
ABS light or ABS activating by model year
What owners say
Abs anti-brake system has failed. Light continuously stays on. Analysis has determined that three of the four sensors are bad. Vehicle has only 40,000 miles on it. Also analysis has determined that the catalictic converter is defective, causing the service engine soon "light" to be on continuously.
Previous owner stated ABS light has been on/off last 2 years.
Abs brakes are causing vehicle two wheel drive to lock up when applying brakes in wet conditions. Dealer notified .
This is an update to a previously submitted report for ABS failure on this vehicle. The incident date on this report is approximate. The two wires to the right front ABS sensor were severed by interference with the upper control arm and the disk brake back plate/splash shield, to which the wiring is attached with riveted metal clips. It appears that the wires became trapped between the upper control arm stamping and the hub and/or disk brake back plate/splash shield, possibly during turns that cycled the front suspension. The wiring insulation is worn in several locations other than the break point, and the first metal clip has been torn off the pop rivet that holds it to the backplate/splash shield. This is the second time this wiring has failed due to this design or installation defect. The first failure was repaired under warranty. No repairs have been performed at this time as we have been waiting for recall information from gm, which arrived recently, but it addressed an ABS programming problem that affected braking on surfaces that transitioned from wet to dry and back.
Was driving vehicle & stopped quickly. Could feel it & hear it trying to kick in. Felt like vehcle was on ice. Did not stop right away. Went through an intersection & through a red light. Finally, got it to stop. Contacted dealer about ABS, recall campaign , but dealer could not offer anything.
While vehicle was in reverse applied the ABS brakes andthe pedal went to the floor, causing vehicle to crash into the bathroom of the house. Please give any further details.
When applying the ABS brakes on dry pavement the pedal traveled to the floor, causing extended stopping distance which resulted in a collision. Please give any further details.
Driving down the highway and the car in front of the truck made a sudden stop, applied pressure to the brake pedal and the truck didn't slow down. Had to press harder on the brake pedal, and the pedal was hard and went to the floor. Took truck to the dealer, and was told that the ABS motor had failed. The dealer replaced the motor.
When applying the brakes the ABS comes on, and the vehicle does not stop. Dealer says it is suppose to operate that way.
Brakes: when driving at low speed the ABS system kicks in but the brakes will not hold. This has caused two accidents, but the dealer can't find any problem.
Abs brake system failed
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: certain 4-wheel drive pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with ABS (antilock braking system) manufactured from september 1989 through august 1996. Under certain driving conditions the switch which signals the ABS system whether the vehicle is in 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive can malfunction causing increased stopping distances during ABS stops while in the two-wheel drive mode.
- Risk
- If this occurred at a time when minimum stopping distance was required, a vehicle crash could occur without prior warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace or repair the 4-wheel/2-wheel drive switch.
Recall number 99V193000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: light duty passenger pickup trucks equipped with 4.3l engines. The front brake line can contact the left-hand side of the engine oil pan causing the brake line to wear to the point of brake fluid loss during brake application.
- Risk
- Brake fluid loss can reduce braking effectiveness and increase stopping distances resulting in a vehicle crash without prior warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the clearance between the oil pan and the brake line. If the clearance is 6mm or less, dealers will install an additional brake line clip and if there was contact between the oil pan and brake line, the front brake line will be replaced.
Recall number 97V146001 · Recall details
Questions about the 1996 GMC Sonoma abs
Is ABS light or ABS activating a common problem on the 1996 GMC Sonoma?
21 of 148 owner complaints about the 1996 GMC Sonoma (14%) mention ABS light or ABS activating. The model year with the most reports is 1994.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1996 GMC Sonoma?
There are 2 recalls and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1996 GMC Sonoma
Wipers 26Brake failure 13Stalling 10No deployment 6Ball joint 5
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